Under returning boss Graham Howarth, the Storks have not had the best of pre-seasons in terms of results.

But on Wednesday night they showed signs of improvement, despite losing their last warm-up game 2-1 at home to Mossley of the UniBond League.

Peter Corvino gave Padiham the lead in the first half, scoring three minutes before the interval.

But a Michael Fish penalty and a goal by Dave Hanlon in the first eight minutes of the second half handed the initiative to the visitors.

Padiham were themselves awarded a penalty in the second half, but Anthony McCluskey put his spot kick over the bar.

Padiham Reserves also have a new boss in the form of Paul Hargreaves.

And he also gets his first taste of league action tomorrow when the Storks' second string travel to play newcomers AFC Liverpool Reserves at Formby FC.

On Sunday there is another big date at Padiham when a special challenge match takes place between Blackburn Rovers Ladies and Newcastle United Ladies.

The match will be contested for the Padiham Sports Club Challenge Cup as part of the Padiham Festival of Sport, which has been organised to celebrate the club's 60th anniversary.

The game kicks off at 3 p.m. and admission is £2 with concessions at £1.